In
cloudforests the adults are attacked by Ceratopogonid midges, which
feed on the blood in the butterfly's wing veins and eyes.

Like
other Ithomiines, the butterflies spend long periods at rest on the
foliage of small shrubs in the darkness of their rainforest and
cloudforest habitats. They are extremely nervous, and if disturbed fly
immediately, only to resettle on another nearby leaf. The flight is
slow, with characteristic deep wing beats. When feeding in the open
they behave very differently - both sexes being very placid and
reluctant to leave their flowers.

Males
sequester pyrrolizidine alkaloids from
Heliotropium, Tournefourtia,
Myosotis ( Boraginaceae ),
Eupatorium,
Neomiranda and Senecio (
Asteraceae ). These chemicals confer toxic qualities to the
butterflies which deter bird attacks. The chemicals are also used in
the production of pheromones. Often the males of several Ithomiine
species will gather together at communal leks, where they release
these pheromones from hair-like androconial scales on the leading edge
of their upperside hindwings. These attract more males, which in turn
release further pheromones. After a few days the lek may include 50 or
more adults comprised of as many as dozen different species. Passing
females are attracted to the leks by the complex fragrances. Their
presence stimulates the males to open their wings and release further
pheromones that entice them into copulation. Females obtain sustenance
from nectar, and also visit bird droppings which provide them with a
source of nitrogen that assists with the development of their eggs.

All
photographs, artwork, text & website design are the property of Adrian
Hoskins ( unless otherwise stated ) and are protected by Copyright.
Photographs or text on this website must not be reproduced in part or in
whole or published elsewhere without prior written consent of Adrian
Hoskins / learnaboutbutterflies.com